PeterO wrote: To what extent is the world economy contributing to [the potential loss of GPS]? Or is it simply that the larger systems become the more prone thay are to error and failure. First, consider the source. The GAO reports objectively (it says here in the fine print)to our Congress on matters like this, but they also can help steer funding when it's needed. And it is needed by the USAF to keep things going. But this isn't because of the economy directly. It's an old problem with old birds -- satellites -- and stuff wears out. When a few fall off line without replacements, the accuracy of the system would decay -- but they're starting new launches later this year, and the GAO pronouncement could just be a gentle prod to our lawmakers to get their thumbs out and get to full funding of the system. The government's acquisition system is a bit cumbersome, but there's way too much national defense tied up in GPS for it to be likely to fall off the edge of the world anytime soon. Jack Martin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue May 19 2009 - 15:59:49 PDT
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